61552 Suture release Medicare reimbursement rates in Michigan

This operation treats craniosynostosis when more than one cranial suture has fused prematurely, limiting skull growth or contributing to an abnormal head shape. A neurosurgeon, often working with a craniofacial surgical team, removes or opens bone along the affected suture lines to release the restriction. It is typically performed in a hospital operating room, often for an infant or child whose skull growth is affected by the fused sutures.

Select this code when the operative report supports release of multiple cranial sutures; the documented extent of the operation distinguishes it from a single-suture release. The record should identify the sutures treated and describe the operative work. This major surgery has a 90-day global period, including the day-before preoperative visit and 90 days of related postoperative care. When multiple procedures are performed in the same session, the highest-valued is paid in full and other procedures are subject to the standard 50% reduction. An assistant at surgery may be paid; co-surgeon payment requires supporting documentation, and team surgery is not permitted. Modifier 50 is inappropriate for this code.